Subaru BRZ tS and WRX STI Type RA unveiled in US

Subaru has finally revealed the US-bound WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS, a pair of redressed and slightly better performing versions of the standard models. Those hoping for changes under the hood will be severely disappointed. The WRX STI gets a slight bump to 310 horsepower while output on the BRZ remains unchanged. Both the BRZ tS and WRX STI Type RA will go on sale in the US during the first quarter of 2018. Subaru’s local arm has confirmed both of these models will be not be sold in Australia.

The tuned by STI, the Subaru BRZ tS aims to improve the coupe’s fun-to-drive factor, not its outright speed. The tS is fitted with Sachs dampers and springs at both ends, and flexible V-braces in the engine bay. Draw stiffeners for the chassis and sub-frames are said to improve steering responsiveness. The BRZ tS rides on lightweight 18-inch STI alloy wheels with 215/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, while stopping power comes from Brembo brakes for all four wheels. Visually, the tS is distinguished from other BRZ models by the prominent manually adjustable carbon-fibre rear spoiler. There’s also a red accent for the grille and rear diffuser-style element, STI fog light covers, and black wing mirrors and shark fin antenna.

Designed as a preview of the WRX STI Type RA NBR Special, which will attempt to set a Nurburgring speed record in the northern summer, the showroom-ready Type RA aims to improve performance by adding lightness with a carbon-fibre roof and rear spoiler, and by deleting the spare tyre. The Type RA also features a new cold air intake and a high-flow exhaust. This means the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine now has around 231kW of power, up 4kW on the regular model. The WRX STI Type RA rides on lightweight 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels with 245/35 Yokohama Advan Sports tyres. There’s also Bilstein dampers, a retuned stability control system, and a Brembo brake package with six-piston callipers at the front and dual-piston units at the rear.